First Work Bench #1: Humm I hope i don't cut my fingers off.....

So, after looking around a bit i was surprised to find a work bench that solved my exact problem. The “Simple, Sturdy Workbench” from the second season of “Getting started in wood working” from finewoodworking.com was billed as a work bench you could build without owning a work bench. As far as I’m concerned this is a fantastic idea. I’ve seen all these projects and beautiful workbenches the pro’s use in all the pod casts i even found some tutorials on how to build them but was left scratching my head wondering how to plane up some beautiful mahogany when the wood won’t hold still :) the project calls for the top to be made from 2 sheets of laminated 3/4” mdf and the legs to be made from 4×4 and 2×4 from a home center

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sounds to me like you got it figured out already !go to store ,buy stuff ,go home ,read plans ,cut boards ,assemble .!p.s. dont forget a wood vise and some clamps ..plane mahogany !have a good time .and work safe !

-- david - only thru kindness can this world be whole . If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure. Dan Quayle

yup – thats my current workbench (except for the top) – it’s surprisingly sturdy (although mine is not the knockdown version FWW shows – but mortise and tenon and glued in) and works great!

here’s a tip for ya:

instead of buying several 2×4 at BORG – but 1 2×12x16’ SYP (and have them cut it down in half in length if you can’t transport it home full length). this will give you 6 2×4 (8’ each), but because of the nature of the 2×12 and the fact that it’s supposed to carry higher loads – it’s a clearer board and will have MUCH less knots in it then the 2×4 you’ll find there. – worth checking out.

Is it the beam type workbench? If so, I can tell you that I have made one and they are great. I have a pretty good Swedish traditional bench with front and rear vises, but I find the beams a lot more flexible for just about any type of work.